Top 6 Reasons to Choose reMarkable 2 Instead of Onyx BOOX Note Air
Tablets have become incredibly versatile tools that allow us to do almost everything – read books, watch movies, browse the internet, play games, and more. However, this can also be their downfall when you simply want to focus on writing or taking notes without distractions.
That‘s where "digital paper" devices like the reMarkable 2 and Onyx BOOX Note Air come in. They strip away all other functionality to provide a distraction-free environment optimized for notetaking, sketching and reviewing documents.
But between these two popular e-ink writing slates, the reMarkable 2 pulls ahead as the superior choice for most people. Here are six convincing reasons why:
- Superior Speed and Snappier Performance
Let‘s start with a basic but essential factor – the actual speed and responsiveness when using the device. According to notebookcheck‘s in-depth benchmarks, the reMarkable 2 bests the Onyx BOOX Note Air by a significant margin in areas like:
• Faster start-up time: 22 seconds vs 42 seconds from being powered off entirely
• Quicker display refresh rate: 21 ms vs 36 ms when flipping pages
• Less lag when writing: 55 ms latency vs 86 ms when drawing with the stylus
These performance gaps lead to a noticeable difference in daily operation. As one YouTube reviewer describes it, the reMarkable 2 "wins the speed race hands-down" with "very little lag compared to the Onyx BOOX Note Air." Everything feels snappier and more responsive for the best possible writing experience.
- Superior Stylus and Overall Writing Feel
A key aspect that makes or breaks these digital notebooks is the actual sensation of writing or drawing on the screen. Here again, the reMarkable 2 pulls ahead with praise from users on its marker pen design, tactile feel and precision.
The reMarkable stylus stands out for its unique triangular shape that prevents rolling and offers excellent grip ergonomics. Its pressure-sensitive tip provides good friction with the surface for smooth, ink-flowing writing performance. There‘s even a built-in eraser function conveniently located at the top.
In comparison, the BOOX Note Air pen feels cheaper and more plasticky. Some users even opt to upgrade to a Staedtler Noris Digital stylus for better comfort. Overall, the reMarkable just provides a more natural, paper-style writing sensation.
- Sleek, Attractive Design and Display
For devices meant to mimic actual paper, aesthetics and design also play an important role. In this area, the reMarkable 2 excels with its clean, minimalist look and lightweight 7.4 mm thin slate.
It‘s thinner than a Moleskine notebook and easier to slip into bags than the BOOX Note Air. Together with its neutral gray canvas back, the reMarkable 2 looks like a stylish modern paper tablet belonging in an art studio.
The 10.3" monochrome display also feels perfectly sized, with crisp 226 DPI resolution for sharp text and lines without a fuzzy glow. It provides pleasing viewing angles whether you‘re writing flat on a desk or propped up at an angle.
- Intuitive 3-Button Interface for Simplicity
One advantage of digital paper devices is replacing messy paper notebooks. But that benefit quickly diminishes if the gadget itself requires too much manual reading and complicated settings.
Once again, the reMarkable 2 makes things easy with just 3 tactile buttons for home navigation:
• Page back
• Home
• Page forward
Everything else is controlled by gestures on the display, like taps, swipes, and pinch-to-zooms. Customization is also simplified with a limited range of templates for notebooks, planners and sheets along with thin and thick pen options.
Comparatively, the Onyx BOOX Note Air relies on its Android OS for deeper but often confusing modification capabilities. Simple functions require more steps while its unconventional interface has a steeper learning curve.
- Focus on Distraction-Free Writing and Sketching
At their core, both the reMarkable 2 and BOOX Note Air aim to provide digital environments optimized for focusing on note taking rather than entertainment and media consumption. But the rebMarkable 2 takes this philosophy a step further.
The notebook does not allow any third-party app installations. There‘s no web browser, notifications, music players or games. The only capabilities are reading, writing, sketching and annotating PDF documents.
This singular focus means avoiding the temptation to browse Reddit or play a quick round of Candy Crush amid writing sessions. There are no flashing pop-ups to break concentration or productivity flow states.
Of course, such minimalism has downsides for power users eager to install their own choice of apps. But for pure focus, the reMarkable 2 eliminates potential distractions.
- Factory-Installed Screen Protector for Durability
Like most gadgets today, both the reMarkable 2 and Onyx BOOX Note Air feature glass displays vulnerable to scratching, cracking or shattering. So applying a screen protector is highly recommended for extended longevity.
But the reMarkable 2 sidesteps this extra purchase by essentially incorporating its own protector layer directly bonded to the e-paper screen. It ensures optimal visibility while defending against marks during daily writing sessions.
You‘d need to buy a separate film guard for the Note Air, adding to the overall cost. For those wanting maximum out-of-box protection, the reMarkable 2 brings reassurance against wear and tear over years of usage.
The Best Distraction-Free Writing Tablet for Focus
At the end of the day, the reMarkable 2 stands above the Onyx BOOX Note Air as the superior digital paper tablet based on critical factors like speed, design and simplified user experience. It epitomizes the ideal distraction-free writing slate for anyone struggling to focus amid modern gadget overload.
However, the Note Air deserves merit as a cheaper, more flexible alternative running a full Android OS. Gamers, tinkerers and apps enthusiasts may appreciate its extensive modification capabilities. Just don‘t expect the same polished writing and sketching experience offered by the reMarkable 2.
When pure concentration matters most, the choice becomes clear. For writers, students, note takers and creative professionals, the reMarkable 2 eliminates headaches to deliver stress-free productivity wherever inspiration strikes. Add in its impressive two-week battery life and you‘ve got an exceptional digital paper notebook ready to accompany you anywhere.